Youth Theatre
The Kexborough Methodist Youth Theatre was founded in 1975 by a group of young people who were led by Mr Bryan Danforth for 25 years and produced many shows which were mainly musicals and pantomimes.
The founder members continued to take part in productions but in the year 2000 when Mr Danforth handed over the responsibility for running the Youth Theatre to Mr Robin Lee it was decided that the Youth Theatre would only be open to members between the ages of 8 – 18 years which continues to be the case.
The Youth Theatre meets each week on a Friday evening between 6.30 – 8.30pm during school time. There are additional Wednesday rehearsals in the lead up to each of the shows.
The current subscription for members is £1 per week and new members are expected to purchase a Youth Theatre t-shirt at a cost of £10.
Currently, there are 25 members who are not only taught singing, dancing and performing arts generally, but have opportunities to learn the sound and lighting, together with making stage props and helping with costumes. In addition, members are offered subsidised tickets to relevant professional and semi professional productions in the area.
The present committee is:
Robin Lee Chairman
Heather Riley Director and Producer
Claire Burgess Musical Director
Kay Rhodes Treasurer
Linda Dinsdale Costumes Director
Michelle Lee Catering Manager
Angela Pursglove Secretary
Over the years the Youth Theatre has received grants totalling approximately £8,000 which has enabled the Youth Theatre to provide a stage extension, purchase seating, install up to date sound and lighting equipment (which includes 11 radio microphones) which has contributed enormously to the quality of the performances.